The conundrum that is drafting risk/reward players in fantasy football holds true when deciphering which Buffalo Bills player you want on your roster. We know Rex Ryan likes to run the football, but can LeSean McCoy avoid the trainer’s table to reap the benefits? We know what the dynamic play-maker Sammy Watkins can become but can he stay on the field for 16 games and give the Bills offense another dimension? And we all know Tyrod Taylor excels when the play breaks down with his legs and athleticism but will the offensive gameplan each week consist of more passing oppotunities to showcase his poise from the pocket? When it’s time to pull the trigger on the Bills in your fantasy draft I guarantee you’ll hesitate a moment before making the selection.
RB LeSean McCoy
Do you think Shady is missing Chip Kelly and his mesh point, run heavy, spread offense? Of course McCoy will never admit it but truth be told he had two tremendous seasons under Kelly when they both were winning games in Philadelphia. McCoy carried the ball 314 times in each of those two seasons while running for 2,926 yards and 14 touchdowns. McCoy’a career average without Kelly calling plays is 207 carries per season. Last season McCoy played his first year under Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills run heavy offense but injuries got the best of him limiting him to 203 carries. Ryan coached teams are no stranger to running the ball, ranking in the Top 6 in six of the last seven seasons including ranking 2nd in the league last year with a banged up Shady. If you believe in numbers then McCoy, a career 4.6 yards per carry back, will provide great fantasy value if he can avoid injury. That is a big “IF” to take a gamble on for fantasy owners as Shady is entering his 8th NFL season.
WR Sammy Watkins
Another Bills’ talent, another injury concern. Watkins got the short end of the stick out of the 2014 WR draft class being selected by a run first offense with sub par quarterback play. However, when healthy he has made the most of his opportunity including a torrid 35 catches 679 yards and 6 TDs in the last 6 games of the 2015 season. If you are not a believer take a look at the last regular season game against a playoff hungry New York Jets team where Watkins got the best of perennial All Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. Just like his teammate McCoy, Watkins is a high risk, high reward player. Watkins broke his foot this offseason requiring a screw to be inserted and it is still unclear if he will be 100% healthy for Week 1 of the regular season. Add this latest setback to a list of injuries in his first 2 NFL seasons, which includes his rib, hip, ankle and calf and you have a player that fantasy owners will take off their draft board. Risk is the name of the game and value wins championships.
QB Tyrod Taylor
The Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor should not be drafted as your starting fantasy quarterback. With that disclaimer out of the way let’s discuss his fantasy value. Taylor is relevant as a QB2 matchup play due to what he gives you with his legs. The bad or low volume passing games he will have this year will be circumvented by the 50-60 rushing yards and potential rushing TD he can rack up quite easily. Do not dismiss Taylor later in your drafts as he threw for over 3,000 yards and20 passing TDs, while rushing for 568 yards, and 4TDs on the ground while missing 2 games.
Others of Note:
- TE Charles Clay
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